Chandragiri Hills, Kathmandu

The listed entry fee for Chandragiri Hills is free, however you will need to purchase a separate cable car ticket to reach the summit, which is the primary way most visitors get up the ridge. Check current cable car fares locally or at the base station in Thankot, as prices are set by the operator and can change.

The cable car base station is located in Thankot on the southwestern outskirts of Kathmandu, roughly 14–16 km from Thamel. You can hire a taxi, take a private car, or arrange a local bus toward Thankot; the journey typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Early morning is strongly recommended, as the Himalayan panorama including Ganesh Himal and Langtang is clearest before haze and clouds build up later in the day. Arriving at the cable car base station shortly after it opens gives you the best chance of crisp, unobstructed views.

October through December and February through April are considered the best seasons, offering clear skies and excellent mountain visibility after the monsoon or before the pre-monsoon haze. The monsoon months of June through September bring heavy cloud cover that often obscures the Himalayan views entirely.

Most visitors spend around 2–3 hours at the hilltop, which is enough time for the cable car ride up and down, enjoying the panoramic views, and exploring the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple on the ridge. If you plan to hike any of the surrounding trails or have a meal at the hilltop restaurant, budget half a day.

The Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple at the summit is an active Hindu shrine, so visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering the temple premises. Non-Hindu visitors are generally welcome but should be respectful and follow any posted guidelines at the temple entrance.

The cable car makes the hilltop accessible to visitors who cannot hike, as it eliminates the steep climb up the ridge. However, the summit area involves some uneven paths and steps around the temple and viewpoints, so those with significant mobility challenges should be prepared for limited flat terrain once at the top.

Photography of the Himalayan panorama and the surrounding landscape is freely enjoyed by visitors and is one of the main draws of the site. Inside the temple, it is courteous to ask permission before photographing religious rituals or sacred objects, as is standard practice at Hindu shrines across Nepal.

Yes, there are hiking trails leading up to Chandragiri Hills for those who prefer to trek rather than ride the cable car, and the hike is popular with locals and fitness enthusiasts. The trails can be steep and are best attempted with proper footwear; the cable car remains the easiest and most popular option for first-time visitors.

Chandragiri is located near the Thankot area on the valley rim, making it easy to combine with a visit to Kirtipur, an ancient Newar hilltop town just a few kilometers away. On the return to Kathmandu you can also stop at Chobar Gorge or the Dakshinkali Temple, both of which lie along the southwestern corridor of the valley.